Conduit connector and methods for making and using the same

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the conduit connector can comprise: a body comprising a hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end, wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving end to the connecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow center and extending out of the connecting end, wherein the spring comprises engagement tangs extending into the hollow center, toward the connection end, and spring tangs extending past the connection end and spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an opening diameter in a junction box; and an antishort bush located in the connecting end of the body, retaining the spring in the body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a reissue application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/409,409, filed Mar. 1, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/448,872, filed on Mar. 3, 2011, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application relates to adapters for connecting conduits toenclosures, e.g., conduit connectors for connecting electrical conduitto junction boxes, outlet boxes, or other enclosures.

BACKGROUND

The most common use for electrical conduit connectors is to facilitatethe connection of a conduit or cable to a junction box. The junction boxcan be a variety of electrical enclosures such as an outlet box,transformer enclosure, circuit panel, lighting fixture—the list isnearly endless. Similarly, the conduit can be rigid or flexible, orcould be hose, other tubing capable of routing electrical wire, orcable. Cable can be non-metallic sheathed cable, portable cord, or avariety of other types of electrical conductors. The instant applicationis equally successful in connecting a plurality of types of conduits,cables, and other electrical conductors to a wide variety of boxes andother enclosures. Therefore, as used in this specification, the termconduit is not limited to standard rigid electrical conduit, but shallbe intended to mean any type of conduit, any type of cable, or any othertype of electrical conductor. Many commercial and residential buildingshave electrical installations with many types of conduit-to-junction-boxconnections that utilize electrical connectors.

The two most common types of electrical connectors used are a snap-inconnector, and a multipart connector which can be composed of two ormore components that utilizes a threaded male end in conjunction with athreaded female locknut, hereinafter referred to collectively as atwo-part locknut connector. In the case of the two-part locknutconnector, the male threaded end is inserted into the junction boxthrough a knockout (e.g., a hole or other opening). A rigid connectionis established by threading the lock nut onto the male end in thejunction box interior. The snap-in connector is another commonly usedconnector, which utilizes a snap ring to quickly connect it to thejunction box. Either type of connector is integrated with an adapterend, which allows the attachment of conduit, cable, or a variety oftypes of hollow tubing.

The installation of electrical systems is generally expensive as anelectrician must first install the enclosures, route conduit betweeneach enclosure, and install connectors and then pull all necessaryelectrical wiring through the conduit. In other words, installation isexpensive because it is labor intensive. The commercially availableelectrical connectors are one factor accentuating the laborintensiveness. Locknut connectors increase the cost of installingelectrical systems for a number of reasons. The current art two-partlocknut connectors are plagued with labor intensive problems. First, thelocknut connectors are shipped from the manufacturer preassembled. Thatis, the electrician must first remove the locknut from the male endbefore it can be installed. Once the male end of the connector is placedthrough the knockout, the electrician must rethread the locknut onto theconnector from the interior of the junction box.

Two hands are required to disassemble and then reassemble the connectorsin the knockout. Consequently, it is difficult to hold a tool or a pieceof conduit while reassembling the connector. Once the locknut isthreaded it must be tightened. In accordance with many building codesand safety regulations, connectors must be firmly and reliably attachedto junction boxes. To properly tighten the two-part locknut connector,the electrician must use a tool, usually a set of pliers or ascrewdriver. Occasionally, when the proper tool is unavailable, anelectrician will use any object within reach. These situations, whilerare, raise serious safety issues. In many instances, however, to “getthe job done” the locknut is “finger” tightened. Those persons skilledin the art know that finger tightened two-part locknut connectors caneventually loosen, and a loose connector can cause great strain to beput onto the electrical wires and their connections resulting in anincrease in the probability of an electrical fire or other electricalproblems, such as poor grounding.

Secondly, when the electrician disassembles the fitting by taking thelocknut off the connector, the locknut can be dropped or misplaced. Thiscan occur when the electrician is in an elevated position, such as, on ascissor lift or on scaffolding because the electrical conduit is ofteninstalled in out-of-the-way places like in rafters and above ceilings.If the locknut cannot be found, the connector is useless. If theelectrician decides to retrieve the dropped locknut, the installationtime is prolonged.

A third common problem with the present locknut connectors is thelocknut is easily cross threaded onto the male thread. When this occurs,the electrician must usually use a tool to remove the locknut. Onoccasion, cross threading the locknut will damage the male threads onthe connector making it difficult or impossible to reuse the connector.Again, the electrician must spend their time either removing thedefective connector or forcing the locknut through the damaged portionof the threads.

A fourth problem with the present two-part locknut connectors is thedistance the male end protrudes into the junction box. In someinstallations, the space inside the enclosure is already minimal. Thespace limitation becomes an acute problem when an additional connectoris installed. The male threaded end protrudes well past the depth of thelocknut and may interfere with another connector, the contents of theenclosure, or wiring inside the box. Therefore, in a limited spaceenclosure, the excess thread must be removed. Typically, the electricianmay clip off some of the receptacle or mounting screws, or completes acombination of space enlarging modifications, all of which prolonginstallation time and threaten the integrity of the system as designed.A fifth common problem with the present two-part locknut connectorsoccurs during disassembly of the connector from the enclosure.Electricians may disassemble an installation for a variety of reasons.The disassembly of the locknut connector is more time consuming than theinstallation. If the locknut was installed properly, that is, bytightening it with a tool, then the locknut must be removed with a tool.Similar to the installation, if the threads are damaged duringdisassembly, the connector is useless. Also similar to the installationproblems, if the locknut is lost, it must be replaced if the connectoris to be used again. The snap-in connector presents similar problems.However, the most significant problem is that these connectors, in mostcases, do not create a rigid connection. Because the snap ring is sizedto accept a variety of box wall thickness, it does not rigidly attach tomany boxes. The loose fit may cause electrical continuity problems, ahighly dangerous situation, since the box, the conduit, and theconnector are intended to be part of the electrical grounding system insome applications.

There remains an unfulfilled need to provide a generally universalconnector that is easy to use; e.g., which can be installed quickly andeasily without tools, does not require access to the interior of thejunction box, and/or can be easily removed and reused in the box.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are conduit connectors and methods for making and usingthe same.

In one embodiment, the conduit connector can comprise: a body comprisinga hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end,wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving end to theconnecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow center and extendingout of the connecting end, wherein the spring comprises engagement tangsextending into the hollow center, toward the connection end, and springtangs extending past the connection end and spaced apart a distancegreater than or equal to an opening diameter in a junction box; and anantishort bush located in the connecting end of the body, retaining thespring in the body.

A method of using the conduit connector can comprise inserting a conduitinto the channel so that the engagement tangs physically contact groovesalong the outer surface of the conduit; and inserting the spring tangsinto an opening (e.g., in a junction box), until the side lugs engagethe inner surface of the box.

These and other features of the conduit connector and method will beunderstood from the drawings and description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Refer now to the figures, which are merely exemplary, not limiting, andwherein like elements are numbered alike.

FIG. 1 is an exploded, disassembled, prospective view of an embodimentof a conduit connector, conduit, and junction box.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the conduit connector of FIG. 1connecting a conduit to a junction box taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the conduit connector of FIG. 1connecting a conduit to a junction box.

FIG. 4 is an exploded (disassembled) perspective view of an embodimentthe conduit connector elements.

FIG. 5 is an exploded (disassembled) cross-sectional view of theembodiment the conduit connector elements of FIG. 4 taken along lines5-5.

FIG. 6 is an assembled, perspective view of the embodiment of theconduit connector elements of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a spring for theconduit connector.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the spring of FIG. 7taken along lines 9-9.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spring for aconduit connector.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a connecting tang for the spring ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a spring assembled within a body.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anti short bush ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an antishort bushfor a conduit connector.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the antishort bush of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduit connectorbody.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the conduit connector body ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the conduit connector body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the conduit connector body ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a conduitconnector attached to a junction box.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the conduit connector of FIG. 19connected to a junction box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are conduit connectors capable of connecting to anenclosure, e.g., capable of connecting an electrical conduit to ajunction box. The conduit connector comprises a body, a spring, and anantishort bush. The spring inserts into the body and can be held inplace with the antishort bush and/or due to connection(s) with the body.During use, tangs of the spring extend into and hold the connector to ajunction box, while flanges extending from the spring engage and retaina conduit in side the body.

The conduit connector answers a long felt need for an electricalconnector which can be installed quickly and easily without tools anddoes not require access to the interior of a junction box. Theelectrical connector has utility, among other uses, in the connection ofa conduit to an enclosure (e.g., to an electrical junction box) throughan opening in the side of the box commonly referred to as a knockout.Additionally, although this connector securely engages the enclosure andis not easily dislodged due to bumping or otherwise, it can be easilyremoved if desired. The conduit engagement region can cooperate with avariety of conduit, cables, and other electrical conductors.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, these figures illustrate the overall view ofthe conduit connector along with a conduit and a junction box. FIG. 1provides an expanded view showing the junction box 10 located adjacentthe connecting end 24 of the conduit connector 20 an antishort bush 12,with a conduit 18 located adjacent the receiving end 22 of a body 16.The body 16 includes a connecting end 23 and the antishort bush 12includes a receiving end 25. From the connecting end 24 of the antishortbush 12 to the receiving end 22 of the body 16, the conduit connector20, comprises the antishort bush 12, the spring 14, and the body 16.FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the assembled connector 20 attached to thejunction box 10 and engaging the conduit 18. In these figures theconduit 18 extends into the body 16 wherein receiving tangs 42 engagethe outer convolutions of the conduit 18, inhibiting the conduit 18 frombeing withdrawn from the body 20 through the receiving end 22 of thebody 16. Connecting tangs 56 extend through the opening 26 in the sideof the junction box 10, and engage the sides thereof to prevent theinadvertent removal or dislodging of the conduit connector 20 from thebox 10. FIGS. 4-6 provide further views of the conduit connector 20 ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate embodiments of a spring that is used to engageboth the conduit 18 and the box 10. The spring 14 is so sized andconfigured that a main portion 40 adjacent the receiving end 24connecting end 23 of the body 16 is disposed within the body 16, whenthe conduit connector is assembled. The main portion 40 of the springcan be enclosed with a cavity extending therethrough or have an openside with a channel 70 extending therethrough. The overall shape iscomplementary to the shape of the body so as to be inserted and retainedwithin the body 16. Some possible main portion 40 shapes include variouspolygonal shapes (e.g., U-shaped, rectangular, square, pentagonal, andso forth). Optionally, the body spring 14 can comprise aperture(s) 72adjacent to the receiving end 22 25 of the antishort bush 12, e.g., cancomprise a channel and an aperture 72 adjacent to each corner at thereceiving end 25 of the antishort bush 12. In some embodiments the mainportion 40 comprises three sides. The opposing sides are arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to the connecting side. The corners wherethe sides connect can be squared corners or can be rounded.

Extending inward and toward the connecting end 24 antishort bush 12 is aplurality of receiving tangs 42. The receiving tangs 42 can form a shapethat will align the conduit 18 within the connector 20. For example, thetangs can form a generally V-shaped profile that will align the conduit18 in the channel (e.g., can align the conduit 18 in the center of theconnector 20). Each tang 42, can, individually, have a shape forgripping and restraining the conduit 18 and optionally for aligning theconduit 18. For example, the spring 14 can comprise 3 receiving tangs42. The central receiving tang 44 can angle from the sides down towardthe middle (e.g., to form a V-shaped end), the first side receiving tang46 and the second side receiving tang 48 can both have diagonal ends50,52, respectively, that angle toward the central receiving tang 44, toattain the generally V-shaped profile (dotted line 54). Furthermore, theends 50,52 can have an angle that is commensurate with the angle ofcurvature of the conduit convolutions. Optionally, each tang 44,46,48can be oriented to extend into the body at the same distance from thereceiving end 22 or can extend at different distances. For example, tang44 can extend into the channel 70 at a distance d₁ from receiving end22, while tang 48 can extend at a different distance d₂ from receivingend 22 as is illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the distance is from thereceiving end to the point of the tang that would engage a conduit.

Extending from the main portion 40 of the spring 14 can be connectortang(s) 56, such as at least two opposing connector tangs 56. At thebase of the tang 56 can be an aperture 74 configured to receive a knobon the body 16, e.g., enhancing alignment of the spring within the body16. Each connector tang 56 can have an optional center lug 58. This lug58 can ease insertion through the opening in the box and can facilitateretention of the tangs 56 within the box, e.g., in case of external sideforces. This tang extends outward from a surface 66 (e.g., main bodyportion) of the tang 56, while the connector lugs extend from oppositesides of the tangs 56. The lugs can be angled outward, e.g., to furtherenhance the engagement with the box (e.g., to prevent unintentionalwithdrawal from the knockout), and/or to enhance electrical groundingconnection.

Each tang 56 comprises a set of side lugs 60. The side lugs 60 can beangled toward the receiving end 25 of the antishort bush 12, e.g., havea negative angle, θ, e.g., to avoid disengagement of connector afterapplying pulling load. The side lugs can be angled such that theconnecting tang 56 diverges from near the end 68 toward the main body 40(e.g., the side lugs 60 can have a generally triangular shape) to allowfacile insertion into the box 10.

Engaging the outside of the box when the connector is attached to thejunction box are the outside lugs 62. In other words, the wall 28 of thejunction box 10 is engaged on an inner surface by side lugs 60 and on anouter surface by outside lugs 62; being located in the valley 64therebetween. The valley 64 can be sized and shaped to receive a varietyof junction box wall thicknesses. For example, the outside lugs 62 canalso optionally comprise a negative angle Φ that allows different sizewalls to be readily received and securely engaged within the valley 64.Angle Φ can be an angle of 10 to 20 degrees, specifically, 13 to 17degrees.

Located at the receiving end connecting end 23 of the body 16 is theantishort bush 12. (See FIGS. 12-14) The antishort bush 12 is designedto connect to the body 16 at the connecting end 24 23, such that theconnecting tangs 56 extend along the sides of the antishort bush 12. Theantishort bush 12 comprises projections 90 for snap engagement with thebody 16. The number of snap engagements is dependent upon the generalshape of the body and of the antishort bush. For a generally squarecross-sectional body shape, two or more projections 90 can be employed,with four or more generally used for secure engagement. Each projectioncan comprise a lip 92 configured to engage an opening 140 in the body 16(see FIG. 16). The projection 90 can extend toward the receiving end 22with the lip 92 extending outward at a complementary angle from the bodyto engage the opening 140, e.g., at an angle of 90° to the central axisA. (See FIG. 2) The foot 94 of the projection 90 can be angled so as toenable facile insertion into the body 16 and so as to facilitate flexingof the projection 90. For example, the foot 94 can have a generallyconical (e.g., truncated conical) shape that narrows towards thereceiving end 22. The angle of the foot can be different on differentsides of the foot 94. For example a lower angle can extend from the endof the lip 92 to the bottom of the foot 94 than on another side of thefoot 94.

In all embodiments, along one or more sides of the antishort bush 12that will extend into the body 16 over the spring 14, can optionally bea restrictor 96. The restrictor 96 can extend toward the receiving endconnecting end 23 of the body 16 at a distance that is equal to orgreater than the projections 90. When the connector 20 is assembled, therestrictor 96 can restrict movement of the spring 14 in the body 16,e.g., in one axial direction. For example, the restrictor 96 can beconfigured to restrict the side of the spring comprising the center lugbetween the restrictor 96 and a side of the body 16. Extending from therestrictor 96, in a direction away from channel 98 can optionally berib(s) 100, e.g., to assist in orientation of the antishort bush 12 inbody 16. The rib 100 can extend along axis A for all or part of thelength of the restrictor 96.

At the connecting end 24 of the antishort bush 12 can be a chamfer,e.g., to allow bending of the connecting tangs 56 during insertion ofthe connector 20 through the opening 26.

Along the sides of the antishort bush 12 can be cavity(ies) 108 eachlocated and configured to receive a body lug 142 (See FIGS. 15 and 16).The cavity 108 has a distance between the walls 104 that is greater thanor equal to the width of the body lug 142. While the connector isentering the opening in the box, the body lug 142 comes down into thechannel. The lip 106 restricts the body lug movement into the channel.

Now referring to FIGS. 15-18, the body 16 comprises a shape configuredto receive the spring main portion 40 within the body cavity 146 and theantishort bush 12 at the connecting end of 23 the body 16. At thereceiving end connecting end 23 of the body 16 can be body lug(s) 142that extend along the axis A from the connecting end 24 23 of the body16. The body lug(s) 142 can be designed to have a rounded or chamferouter body 148, e.g., to facilitate insertion into the junction box.Extending from the outer surface of the body lug 142 can be crush rib(s)150. This rib 150 can provide a tight fit with the opening 26, crushingas necessary to enable insertion of the connecting end 24 into the box10. On the opposite side of one or more of the body lug(s) 142 can be agroove 152 oriented and designed to receive the antishort bush rib 100.In the various embodiments, two or more body lugs 142 can be provided.The optional body lug(s) can facilitate the entry of the connector intothe hole in the box and/or can establish a good contact with the body todecrease the contact resistance between the box and the connector (e.g.,resulting in good grounding connection).

Also located at the connecting end 24 23 of the body 16 can be a stopprotrusion extending outward from the body 16 and configured to limitthe insertion of the connector 20 into the opening 26. In addition tothe stop protrusions 154, the body 16 can comprise extensions 156 thatangle outward from the main body portion 158. The extensions 156 canalso limit the amount of that the connector 20 at extends into the box10. In many embodiments, the body comprises two extensions 156 onopposite sides, with two body lugs 142 on the other two opposing sides.The extensions 156 flare away from the main body portion 158 so as toreceive the tangs 56 in their relaxed state. Therefore, the extension156 can have a diverging area 160 that diverges at an anglecomplementary to the outward flare 72 of the spring 14. Within theextension 156 can be a knob 162 that has a size and shape to extend intoaperture 74 of the spring 14 when the connector 20 is assembled.

The main body portion 158 can comprise grips 164 on one or more sidesthereof. The grips 164 can be any combination of elements thatfacilitates gripping of the main body portion 158, e.g., serrations,depressions, protrusions (e.g., bumps), holes, as well as combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing.

The shape of the main body portion 158 is complementary to the springshape. The main body portion can be polygonal (e.g., square,rectangular, and so forth). For example, three sides can form a U-shape(e.g., sides 166,168,170), with the fourth side (172) merely coveringthe opening (e.g., see the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11), e.g.,forming a generally square shape. As can be seen, the sides can meet ina rounded corner (174,176) or a squared corner (178,180). The forth side172 can comprise guide rib(s) 144 extending adjacent to the sides166,170 to guide the edges 76 of the spring 14 when inserting the springinto the body 16, and to prevent the edges from bending inward, intobody cavity 146.

At the connecting end 23 of the main body portion 158 are the openings140 each sized and configured to receive one of the antishort bushprojections 90. At the receiving end 22 of the body 16 can be a collar182 that prevents the spring from being forced out of the receiving endof the body 22 body 16; e.g., the collar can restrict the spring in oneof the axial directions. Also at the receiving end 22 of the main bodyportion 158 can be a slot 184 in one or more sides (e.g., in oppositesides 166, 170) sides and located to allow the corners 78,80 of thespring 14 to extend through the slot 184 such that the jut 186 extendsinto window 82, e.g., to further secure the spring within the body.

The main body portion 158 can also optionally comprise pocket(s) 190configured to receive lug 90/92 from the antishort bush 12, e.g., toretain the spring in the body.

The conduit connector can be formed of various materials as appropriatefor the particular element. For example, the body can comprise a metalor metal alloy, such as zinc, aluminum, steel, as well as combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing (e.g., zinc alloy, aluminumalloy, and/or steel alloy). The spring can comprise a material such assteel, (e.g., spring steel and/or stainless steel), as well ascombinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. The antishortbush can be formed of a plastic, such as engineering plastics.

In use, a conduit 18 (e.g., an electrical conduit) is inserted throughthe body 16 until the conduit is accessible at a connecting end 24 ofthat will be inserted into the enclosure 10. As the conduit 18 isinserted into the body 16, the coils (peaks) 30 of the conduit 18 causethe receiving tangs 42 cantilever outward towards the walls of the body16 and spring inward as the valleys 32 of the conduit 18 reaches theends of the receiving tangs 42. As the conduit 18 is inserted into thebody 16, the center lug 58 guides the conduit into the desired locationwithin the body.

In one embodiment, the conduit connector can comprise: a body comprisinga hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end,wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving end to theconnecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow center and extendingout of the connecting end, wherein the spring comprises engagement tangsextending into the hollow center, toward the connection end, and springtangs extending past the connection end and spaced apart a distancegreater than or equal to an opening diameter in a junction box; and anantishort bush located in the connecting end of the body, retaining thespring in the body.

A method of using the conduit connector can comprise inserting a conduitinto the channel so that the engagement tangs physically contact groovesalong the outer surface of the conduit; and inserting the spring tangsinto an opening (e.g., in a junction box), until the side lugs engagethe inner surface of the box.

In the various embodiments, (i) each spring tang can comprise anaperture that receives a knob on the body; and/or (ii) each spring tangcan comprise a center lug extending outward from a spring main portion,away from the spring and toward the receiving end; and/or (iii) eachspring tang can comprise side lugs angled toward the receiving end at anangle so that, once the connector is attached to an opening, the lugsavoid disengagement after applying a pulling load; and/or (iv) the sidelugs form wings on opposite sides of each spring tang and have a shapethat diverges from near an end of the spring tang toward the receivingend; and/or (v) a spring main portion can have three sides, with thespring tangs extending from two opposite sides, and the engagement tangsextend into the channel from all three sides; and/or (vi) the engagementtangs form a generally V-shaped profile that is configured to align aconduit in the channel; and/or (vii) the engagement tangs can comprise acentral receiving tang that is angled from the sides into the channeland having a generally V-shaped end, and a first side receiving tanghaving a diagonal ends that angles toward the central receiving tang anda second side receiving tang having a diagonal end angled toward thecentral receiving tang forming a generally V-shaped profile of theengagement tangs; and/or (viii) each engagement tang can extend into thebody at a different distance than another engagement tang; and/or (ix)the antishort bush can further comprise a restrictor extending towardthe receiving end, wherein the restrictor restricts movement of thespring; and/or (x) the antishort bush can comprise projections thatextend toward the body and through an opening such that a foot on theprojection snapfits the antishort bush onto the body; and/or (xi) nearthe receiving end, the body can comprise a slot such that a corner atthe receiving end of the spring passes through the slot and a windownear the corner engages a jut on the body; and/or (xii) the body canhave a polygonal shape.

Before or after the conduit 18 is disposed within the body 16, theconduit connector 20 can be connected to the junction box 10. Connectionto the box 10 comprises exerting force on the conduit connector 20 inthe direction of the opening 26. As the connector tangs enter theopening 26, they pivot (cantilever), decreasing the outer diameter ofthe spring 14, and enabling the side lugs 60 to pass into the box 10.Once the lugs 60 have passed through the opening 26, the connector tangsprings outward causing the wall 28 to be located in the valley 64, theside lugs to be located within the box 10, and the outside lugs to belocated outside the box 10, thereby grasping the box opening 26 andholding the connector 20 to the box 10. If the center lug(s) 58 arepresent along the connector tang(s) 56, they facilitate the inwardflexing of the connector tang 56 as it passes through the opening 26.

What is claims is:
 1. A conduit connector, comprising: a body comprisinga hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end,wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving end to the aconnecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow center and extendingout of the connecting end body, wherein the spring comprises engagementtangs extending into the hollow center, toward the connection endwherein the engagement tangs are configured to physically contactgrooves along an outer surface of a conduit when the conduit is insertedinto the body, and spring tangs extending past the connection connectingend and spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an openingdiameter in a junction box; and an antishort bush located in theconnecting end of the body, retaining the spring in the body.
 2. Theconduit connector of claim 1, wherein each spring tang comprises anaperature aperture that receives a knob on the body.
 3. The conduitconnector of claim 1, wherein each spring tang comprises a center lugextending outward from a spring main portion, away from the spring andtoward the receiving end.
 4. The conduit connector of claim 1, whereineach spring tang comprises side lugs angled toward the receiving end atan angle so that, once the connector is attached to an opening, the lugsavoid disengagement after applying a pulling load.
 5. The conduitconnector of claim 4, wherein the side lugs form wings on opposite sidesof each spring tang and have a shape that diverges from near an end ofthe spring tang toward the receiving end of the antishort bush.
 6. Theconduit connector of claim 1, wherein a spring main portion can havethree sides, with the spring tangs extending from two opposite sides,and the engagement tangs extend into the channel from all three sides.7. The conduit connector of claim 6, wherein the engagement tangs angletoward each other to form a generally V-shaped profile that isconfigured to align a the conduit in the channel center of theconnector.
 8. The conduit connector of claim 6, wherein the engagementtangs comprise a central receiving tang that is angled from the sidesinto the channel and having a generally V-shaped end, and a first sidereceiving tang having a diagonal ends end that angles toward the centralreceiving tang and a second side receiving tang having a diagonal endangled toward the central receiving tang forming a generally V-shapedprofile of the engagement tangs.
 9. The conduit connector of claim 6,wherein each engagement tang extends into the body at a differentdistance than another engagement tang.
 10. The conduit connector ofclaim 1, wherein the antishort bush further comprises a restrictorextending toward the receiving end connecting end of the body, whereinthe restrictor restricts movement of the spring.
 11. The conduitconnector of claim 1, wherein the antishort bush comprises projectionsthat extend toward the body and through an opening such that a foot onthe projection snapfits the antishort bush onto the body.
 12. Theconduit connector of claim 1, wherein, near the receiving end, the bodycomprises a slot such that a corner at the receiving end of the springpasses through the slot and a window near the corner engages a jut onthe body.
 13. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein the body has apolygonal shape.
 14. A conduit connector, comprising: a body comprisinga hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end and aknob, wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving end to the aconnecting end; a spring disposed within into the hollow center andextending out of the connecting end body, wherein the spring comprisesengagement tangs extend into the hollow center, toward the connectionconnecting end, wherein the engagement tangs angle toward each other toform a generally V-shaped profile that is configured to align a conduitin the channel, spring tangs comprise a center lug extending outwardfrom a spring main portion, away from the spring and toward thereceiving end, wherein the spring tangs extend past the connection endand are spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an openingdiameter in a junction box, and wherein each spring tang comprises sidelugs angled toward the receiving end at an angle so that, once theconnector is attached to an opening, the lugs avoid disengagement afterapplying a pulling load; and an aperture that received the knob; and anantishort bush located in the connecting end of the body, retaining thespring in the body.
 15. The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein theside lugs form wings on opposite sides of each spring tang and have ashape that diverges from near an end of the spring tang toward thereceiving end of the antishort bush.
 16. The conduit connector of claim14, wherein a spring main portion can have three sides, with the springtangs extending from two opposite sides, and the engagement tangs extendinto the channel from all three sides.
 17. The conduit connector ofclaim 16, wherein the engagement tangs comprise a central receiving tangthat is angled from the sides into the channel and having a generallyV-shaped end, and a first side receiving tang having a diagonal endsthat angles toward the central receiving tang and a second sidereceiving tang having a diagonal end angled toward the central receivingtang forming a generally V-shaped profile of the engagement tangs. 18.The conduit connector of claim 16, wherein each engagement tang extendsinto the body at a different distance than another engagement tang. 19.The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein antishort bush furthercomprises a restrictor extending toward the receiving connecting end ofthe body, wherein the restrictor restricts movement of the spring, andcomprises projections that extend toward the body and through an openingsuch that a foot on the projection snapfits the antishort bush onto thebody.
 20. The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein, near the receivingend, the body comprises a slot such that a corner at the receiving endof the spring passes through the slot and a window near the cornerengages a jut on the body.
 21. A conduit connector, comprising: a hollowbody capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end, wherein the bodyhas a rectangular body shape, wherein the body extends from thereceiving end to a connecting end; a spring inserted into the body,wherein the spring comprises engagement tangs extending into the bodycapable of engaging a conduit, and at least two spring tangs capable ofengaging an opening in a junction box; and wherein the body isconfigured to receive the spring; and an antishort bush located at theconnecting end of the body.
 22. The conduit connector of claim 21,wherein the spring has a rectangular shape that is complementary to therectangular body shape.
 23. The conduit connector of claim 21, whereinthe antishort bush extends into the spring, between the spring tangs.24. The conduit connector of claim 21, wherein the spring tangs arecapable of removably engaging the opening in the junction box.
 25. Amethod of securing a conduit to a junction box, comprising: disposing aconduit into a conduit connector and engaging the conduit withengagement tangs that extend into the conduit connector, wherein theconduit connector comprises a hollow body having a rectangular bodyshape, wherein the conduit extends into the body; a spring disposedwithin the hollow body and comprising the engagement tangs and springtangs extending out of the hollow body; and an antishort bush, whereinthe antishort bush extends through the opening in the junction box;inserting a connecting end of the conduit connector into an opening in ajunction box such that the spring tangs engage the opening.